Shillong: The demand for the constitutional recognition of the unique indigenous Khasi and Garo languages of Meghalaya was yet again raised with the Centre, this time by suspended Congress legislator Dr. Mazel Ampareen M Lyngdoh, who urged the Union minister of state for culture, Arjun Ram Meghwal to facilitate the inclusion of the indigenous tribal languages into the 8th Schedule to the Constitution.
Lyngdoh was speaking at the valedictory function of a three-day festival for the promotion of indigenous culture in the presence of Meghwal at the U Soso Tham Auditorium, State Central Library premises here on Saturday.
The third day of ‘Ka Longtynrai Jong KaLongrynieng’ festival under the aegis of the Union ministry of culture and jointly organized by the Shillong Law College and Positive Energy Art Foundation saw a mix of cultural events as artists from Ri Bhoi, Ri War, Jaintia, Khasi, and the Garo Hills had the audience tapping their feet to indigenous tunes emanating from traditional musical instruments that accompanied their songs and dance performances.
An art and craft exhibition was also held to test and showcase the skills of local artisans in the art of pottery-making, traditional craft-making, drawing, sketching, and painting.
Winners of various competitions held during the three-day event were also felicitated during the valedictory function.
Lyngdoh said that the people of Meghalaya should “…endure our roots, which is in line with nationalism”.
Reminding the gathering of the rich culture of the state, she also requested the Union minister of state for culture to facilitate, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the process of inclusion and recognition of the Khasi and Garo Languages in the 8th Schedule to the Indian Constitution.
In the course of his valedictory address, Meghwal stressed the importance of language and also enlightened the gathering on the use of Hindi.
“After completing our 75 years, we want that India must be Atma Nirbhar… self-sustainable, self-reliant not only in economy but in language also. That is why, the Indian words, the Indian language, ‘Azadi KaAmrit Mahotsav’ have been used,” he said.
Later, Meghwal enthralled the audience with a self-composed song on Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
The Khmih Creative Arts Society, Nongstoin performed a traditional song in praise of the beautiful and rich culture of Meghalaya. Students of the Shillong Law College showcased the culture of the eight northeastern states of India, through various dance performances.
A special performance by the living legend Lou Majaw was an added attraction during the lively event.
